amusedbush
This review may contain spoilers
Model Student for Short-length Dramas
I. Introduction
This is what all short-length/ web dramas should aspire to. The synopsis above is incorrect as this isn't a transmigration story, but a rebirth one. In the first life, the FL married the ML and they were affectionate but not deeply in love (as alluded to in later episodes). However, the ML plotted a rebellion and the couple was granted a peaceful death by poisoned wine. The FL drinks the poisoned wine, but finds herself waking up on the morning the rebellion is scheduled to take place. She manages to knock the ML out, but they are again granted death by poisoned wine when the ML's accomplices proceed with the rebellion in his absence. So the FL drinks the poisoned wine again, and finds herself waking up the day the emperor granted an engagement between the FL and the ML. This time, by hook or by crook, she plans to avoid the ML and all palace intrigues to save her life and her sanity.
The plot device is allowed to flourish at an adequate pace, without random scenes or continuity issues. The performance, while not perfect, still draws you in to believe the characters' feelings and perception. The setting, staging, music, and clean happy ending all come together to create a worthwhile ~4-hour diversion.
II. Storyline/ Plot
I absolutely loved the storyline. Let me count the whys: (1) The FL showed deep character development. She starts off as a 胆小怕死 blasé twit, intent at avoiding the ML at all costs, but grows braver once she understands her feelings for him. (2) There are hints sprinkled throughout the episodes that the ML remembers his first two lives, and the grand reveal in the final episode compelled me to rewatch the series from the start to review the hints. (3) There is subversion of expectations--I expected the ML to be an overbearing twat, but in episode 12 he vehemently argued that even if he was interested in the FL, the FL had to be willing to accept his interests (before he pursued her). Even the timely comedic scenes subverted expectations, e.g., when the FL trusses the ML up like a turkey in episode 1, when the second prince only wants the ML to lose his crown prince position but not his life or his reputation, when the betrothal gifts were pushed back and forth, when they argued in episode 13 and the ML pauses in storming out when he realised he was storming out of his own palace, when the FL's parents leave her at the mercy of the ML, etc. (4) The romance was not forced, and the development of the characters' feelings were paced well. (5) The ending wrapped up loose ends really well, even if there were some openings to keep viewers guessing, just none that were too frustrating.
Points are deducted for the use of modern gaming slang (e.g., 老六, 猪队友), causing confusion that this is a transmigration story instead of a rebirth story, and for the mess that is episode 23. I mean, if he could fling the sword like that, why didn't he do so from the start?
III. Characters
ZJM is a beautiful, mischievous FL trying to get out of the clutches of the ML. LF is better at expressing obstinacy, care, mischief, and cunning here, than he was in My Villain Husband. The chemistry between ZJM and LF is adorable, leaving me gushing and squealing at times. The ML's rivalry and brotherly affection with his brother (the second prince) is humorous and touching-- they are allowed to kick their brother in the nuts but nobody else is allowed to insult (or make use of) their sibling. This drama definitely made good use of the ~4 hours to showcase good character development for the FL and ML, and explore facets of the second prince rather than taking the easy path of making him a one-dimensional villain. The supporting cast did so well in their roles--even the geese in the betrothal gifts were paid actors!
IV. Production Aspects
The drama boasts impressive production value with a well-designed, visually-appealing set. My word, the costumes are gorgeous-- the delicate details that went into the FL's and ML's costumes and makeup! The production team also invested in two songs that elevate the drama to almost full-length drama quality, and are complete ear worms.
V. Conclusion
A must watch and a must rewatch for the times when you need something simple and simply gratifying.
This is what all short-length/ web dramas should aspire to. The synopsis above is incorrect as this isn't a transmigration story, but a rebirth one. In the first life, the FL married the ML and they were affectionate but not deeply in love (as alluded to in later episodes). However, the ML plotted a rebellion and the couple was granted a peaceful death by poisoned wine. The FL drinks the poisoned wine, but finds herself waking up on the morning the rebellion is scheduled to take place. She manages to knock the ML out, but they are again granted death by poisoned wine when the ML's accomplices proceed with the rebellion in his absence. So the FL drinks the poisoned wine again, and finds herself waking up the day the emperor granted an engagement between the FL and the ML. This time, by hook or by crook, she plans to avoid the ML and all palace intrigues to save her life and her sanity.
The plot device is allowed to flourish at an adequate pace, without random scenes or continuity issues. The performance, while not perfect, still draws you in to believe the characters' feelings and perception. The setting, staging, music, and clean happy ending all come together to create a worthwhile ~4-hour diversion.
II. Storyline/ Plot
I absolutely loved the storyline. Let me count the whys: (1) The FL showed deep character development. She starts off as a 胆小怕死 blasé twit, intent at avoiding the ML at all costs, but grows braver once she understands her feelings for him. (2) There are hints sprinkled throughout the episodes that the ML remembers his first two lives, and the grand reveal in the final episode compelled me to rewatch the series from the start to review the hints. (3) There is subversion of expectations--I expected the ML to be an overbearing twat, but in episode 12 he vehemently argued that even if he was interested in the FL, the FL had to be willing to accept his interests (before he pursued her). Even the timely comedic scenes subverted expectations, e.g., when the FL trusses the ML up like a turkey in episode 1, when the second prince only wants the ML to lose his crown prince position but not his life or his reputation, when the betrothal gifts were pushed back and forth, when they argued in episode 13 and the ML pauses in storming out when he realised he was storming out of his own palace, when the FL's parents leave her at the mercy of the ML, etc. (4) The romance was not forced, and the development of the characters' feelings were paced well. (5) The ending wrapped up loose ends really well, even if there were some openings to keep viewers guessing, just none that were too frustrating.
Points are deducted for the use of modern gaming slang (e.g., 老六, 猪队友), causing confusion that this is a transmigration story instead of a rebirth story, and for the mess that is episode 23. I mean, if he could fling the sword like that, why didn't he do so from the start?
III. Characters
ZJM is a beautiful, mischievous FL trying to get out of the clutches of the ML. LF is better at expressing obstinacy, care, mischief, and cunning here, than he was in My Villain Husband. The chemistry between ZJM and LF is adorable, leaving me gushing and squealing at times. The ML's rivalry and brotherly affection with his brother (the second prince) is humorous and touching-- they are allowed to kick their brother in the nuts but nobody else is allowed to insult (or make use of) their sibling. This drama definitely made good use of the ~4 hours to showcase good character development for the FL and ML, and explore facets of the second prince rather than taking the easy path of making him a one-dimensional villain. The supporting cast did so well in their roles--even the geese in the betrothal gifts were paid actors!
IV. Production Aspects
The drama boasts impressive production value with a well-designed, visually-appealing set. My word, the costumes are gorgeous-- the delicate details that went into the FL's and ML's costumes and makeup! The production team also invested in two songs that elevate the drama to almost full-length drama quality, and are complete ear worms.
V. Conclusion
A must watch and a must rewatch for the times when you need something simple and simply gratifying.
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